Felt like an artery on the back of my head.

[thephotobug]

During a resent migraine attack after taking the shot and relpax I touched the back of my head and had what felt like an inflated artery that was very painful.  I've suffered from migraines and have never had this happen can anyone tell me if you have seen this happen before and if you have any other advice.  I had a cat scan on Friday and am waiting for results.  But, it feels as if the headache is a cloud waiting to decend upon me again.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi

Thanks for keeping me posted. I appreciate it. Yes, this a good possibility, especially now that this symptom of unilateral blurred vision has started and your brain CT was normal. (I assume it was brain CT). If not then it is recommended you get one.

“Atherosclerotic carotid artery: Amaurosis fugax may present as a type of transient ischemic attack (TIA), during which an embolus unilaterally obstructs the lumen of the retinal artery or ophthalmic artery, causing a decrease in blood flow to the ipsilateral retina. The most common source of these athero-emboli is an atherosclerotic carotid artery.
However, a severely atherosclerotic carotid artery may also cause amaurosis fugax due to its stenosis of blood flow, leading to ischemia when the retina is exposed to bright light "Unilateral visual loss in bright light may indicate ipsilateral carotid artery occlusive disease and may reflect the inability of borderline circulation to sustain the increased retinal metabolic activity associated with exposure to bright light."
Refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaurosis_fugax

Please let me know if you have any other query. All the best!

[thephotobug]

I got the results to my CT and that was normal.  I started having blurred vision in my left eye two days ago so my doctor sent my to an eye doctor.  I saw him today and after a complete exam he decided to send me to a neurologist but he's going to do some visual mapping test next Wednesday so that I can take the results with me.  He said that I may have Amaurosis fugax.  Anyway, I promised you an update.  I'd be interested to know what you think.

Thanks for all your help!
Debbie

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi

Thanks for the post. Well, migraines are caused by dilation of certain blood vessels and a stimulation of surrounding nerve -pain pathways. Hence it is possible you felt a dilated artery at the back of your head. Some feel the dilated vessels on their forehead too.
Your CT scan report is awaited. Please let me know when you get it. That should help reach a diagnosis.
Meanwhile you can go through this link which gives all the details about migraine.
http://www.mercksource.com/ppdocs/us/cns/harvard-health-reports/MerckSHR-headache092906/sections/sect6.htm
Hope this helps. If you need more help, please feel free to contact. I’ll be happy to answer your queries. Please keep me posted.